DARWEN is to get its own direct link to the West End when some of the top shows are broadcast live to a town centre theatre.

Starting next month, Darwen Library Theatre will be part of the National Theatre Live scheme, the ground-breaking project to broadcast the best of British theatre live from the London stage to cinemas across the UK and around the world.

The first show will be ‘Frankenstein’, on October 30, starring Hollywood actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller.

Though each live broadcast is filmed in front of a live audience in the theatre, cameras are carefully positioned throughout the auditorium to ensure that cinema audiences get the ‘best seat in the house’ view of each production.

Where these cameras are placed is different for each broadcast to make sure that cinema audiences enjoy the best possible experience every time.

‘Frankenstein’ will also be screened on November 21, while ‘John’ will be broadcast live on Thursday, December 9 and ‘Treasure Island’ on January 22.

A venue spokeswoman said: “We are thrilled to be launching this series which gives us a new way to bring exceptional professional theatre to our stage. “We see it as a fantastic addition to the existing programme of events at the theatre and hope that Darwen residents will enjoy the opportunity to try something new with us in their local venue.

“While we can’t bring Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Wilson to you in the flesh next month, we hope this cinema experience will be a close second.”

Tickets for all confirmed screenings go on sale at 10am on Friday and are available by calling 01254 706006.